The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has donated N100 million to support families affected by the recent tanker explosion in Niger State.

She announced the donation during a visit to Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna on Tuesday, where she expressed her condolences over the tragic incident.

The tanker explosion, which occurred on January 18 at Diko-Maje Road in Gurara Local Government Area, claimed several lives and left many others injured.

Senator Tinubu explained that the financial support would be distributed to around 70 affected families through the state’s First Lady, Hajiya Fatima Bago, with each receiving N1 million.

“The remaining funds will be used for additional support, including food and other necessities,” she added.

She commended Governor Bago for his prompt response in rehabilitating victims and acknowledged his administration’s efforts, particularly in agriculture.

In his response, Governor Bago expressed appreciation for the First Lady’s visit and donation, describing it as a significant morale booster for the people of the state.

“We are grateful for your kindness and concern. Your visit is a great encouragement to those affected by the explosion. The financial support will go a long way in assisting the victims’ families,” he said.

During her visit to Niger State, the First Lady also paid a private visit to former military leaders, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

She was accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, and Niger State’s First Lady, Hajiya Fatima Bago.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that the death toll from the recent tanker explosion at the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has risen to 23, following the deaths of two more victims in hospital.

The Enugu State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Franklin Agbakoba, revealed this development in Enugu on Tuesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He disclosed that the two deceased victims, both female, had been receiving treatment at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, and the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu, but unfortunately did not survive.

The tragic incident, which occurred on January 25 at approximately 11:30 a.m., was caused by brake failure in a fuel-laden tanker, leading to an explosion. Initial reports confirmed 11 fatalities at the scene before emergency responders arrived.

Over the following days, the death toll climbed to 18, then 21, and has now reached 23.

According to Agbakoba, among the five victims admitted to UNTH, one died at the end of the month, while another remains under medical care.

He further noted that three members of the same family, who were being treated at UNTH, chose to discharge themselves against medical advice and opted for traditional treatment at home.

At ESUTH Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, three female victims are still receiving treatment, while two others have been referred to the National Orthopedic Hospital due to severe burns.

Meanwhile, of the three victims initially admitted to the National Orthopedic Hospital, one has passed away.

Another patient referred from ESUTH has joined the remaining two survivors, while another referral from ESUTH reportedly failed to report to the orthopedic hospital for treatment.

Agbakoba previously reported that the explosion involved 44 people, as well as 16 vehicles both private and commercial and a commercial tricycle.

A total of 23 people sustained injuries, including eight males and 15 females, and were rushed to various government hospitals for medical attention.

A massive fire outbreak has engulfed two petrol-laden tankers at an MRS filling station along Numan Road, near Yola International Airport, causing panic among residents.

The explosion, which occurred on Tuesday, led to a temporary blockage of the road leading into Yola, as onlookers gathered to witness the raging inferno despite the clear dangers.

Emergency responders, including firefighters and security personnel, arrived at the scene in an attempt to contain the fire.

However, reports indicate that the fire service may have run out of water, making efforts to control the blaze more challenging.

The incident comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a severe economic crisis, with petrol remaining a scarce and highly valuable commodity.

In recent months, the country has witnessed a series of deadly tanker explosions. In January 2025, at least 11 people lost their lives when a petrol tanker exploded on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway due to brake failure.

In another tragic incident in Niger State, 86 people died while attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker.

Other major fuel tanker explosions in recent times include:

• January 2025: Five people killed in a tanker explosion in Agbor, Delta State.
• October 2024: Over 170 deaths recorded in Jigawa State following a fuel tanker explosion.
• September 2024: A tragic collision between a fuel tanker and a passenger-laden truck in Niger State resulted in 59 fatalities.

Authorities are yet to provide an official statement on the Adamawa explosion, but efforts to fully extinguish the fire and secure the area are ongoing.

The Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Ken Eze, has condemned the brutal killing of 13 residents of Amagu-Nkalaha in Ishielu Local Government Area, describing the incident as horrific and unacceptable.

In a statement expressing deep sorrow, Senator Eze vowed that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this devastating attack. The loss of innocent lives and destruction of properties is heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to those injured and currently receiving medical care,” he said.

He denounced the act as inhumane and reassured the affected community of his unwavering support during this difficult time.

“This is a moment of collective grief, and I want the people of Amagu-Nkalaha to know that they are not alone. We will work together to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again,” he added.

Senator Eze emphasized the need for improved intelligence gathering by security agencies to prevent similar attacks in the future.

“This unfortunate incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced intelligence operations by security agencies. Proactive measures must be taken to identify and prevent such heinous crimes before they occur. I urge security operatives to swiftly apprehend and prosecute those responsible,” he stated.

The senator also commended Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for his swift intervention to restore calm and prevent further violence.

He appealed to residents of Ishielu LGA to remain calm, assuring them that authorities are actively working to ensure justice is served.

“I urge the people to remain peaceful and trust in the government’s commitment to ensuring that justice prevails. The necessary security mechanisms are already in place to prevent any further attacks,” he assured.

Senator Eze offered prayers for the victims’ families and wishing a quick recovery to those injured.

Governor Peter Mbah has signed into law a bill aimed at streamlining tax administration in Enugu State, effectively eliminating multiple taxation and enhancing revenue collection efficiency.

The new legislation, known as the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (Establishment and Consolidation of Revenue Administration) Law, 2025, establishes a centralized tax collection system while granting the state’s revenue agency full autonomy.

Speaking at the bill signing ceremony at the Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah emphasized that the reform aligns with his administration’s commitment to improving the Ease of Doing Business and positioning Enugu as a top investment destination.

“I have engaged with business owners, private sector stakeholders, and market women, and a recurring concern has been multiple taxation—different people demanding payments under various pretexts. That ends today,” Mbah declared.

“With this new law, there is now a single, clearly defined revenue collection point. Whether you are a trader, business owner, or government agency, you will know exactly where to pay your tax and receive the appropriate receipt. No other entity will be authorized to demand tax payments.”

The governor explained that the law would consolidate all revenue streams, ensuring that both state and local governments receive their due allocations.

“This system is not new; it’s similar to how the Land Use Charge and VAT are collected centrally before being distributed appropriately. Now, all state and local government revenues will be managed under a unified structure,” he added.

Governor Mbah also highlighted the autonomy granted to the Enugu State Inland Revenue Service, allowing it to operate as an independent institution.

“The Revenue Service can now set targets, manage its workforce, and function professionally like any high-performing organization. This autonomy will enhance efficiency and accountability in tax administration,” he noted.

Addressing concerns about the state’s increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Mbah clarified that no tax rates had been raised.

“Our revenue growth is driven by expanding the tax base, eliminating leakages, and leveraging technology not by increasing taxes. We have simply ensured that previously unaccounted-for revenues are properly documented and remitted to the state,” he explained.

The governor commended the Enugu State House of Assembly for its swift passage of the bill, acknowledging the lawmakers’ dedication to the state’s economic progress.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Uche Ugwu, described the law as a transformative step in revenue collection.

“This legislation will not only enhance the Ease of Doing Business but also boost the state’s revenue while sealing loopholes in tax administration. It is indeed a remarkable milestone for the people of Enugu State,” Ugwu stated.

A Lagos High Court has convicted Mr. Mohammed Idris, a supervisor at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal Gate of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, for financial misconduct and corrupt self-enrichment.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) prosecuted Idris before Justice O.A. Fadipe of the Ikeja Special Offences Court, alleging that he collected missing funds during his duty but failed to account for them.

ICPC counsel, Yvonne Williams-Mbata, presented evidence showing that N11,234,000 was unaccounted for under the defendant’s supervision between February 2001 and April 2021.

The offense contravenes Sections 26(1)(b) and 25(1) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Justice Fadipe sentenced Idris to one year in prison on each of the two counts, with the option of a N1,000,000 fine for both counts. The sentences will run concurrently.

Additionally, the convict must maintain good behavior and enter a bond with the court registry in the sum of N2,000,000.

Failure to comply with these conditions will result in an additional 10-year prison term.

A Lagos Special Offences Court has discharged and acquitted former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, of forgery charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe ruled in favor of Fani-Kayode’s no-case submission, stating that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

The judge noted that there was no direct evidence linking the defendant to the alleged offences and that key witnesses who could have supported the prosecution’s case were not presented.

“The prosecution failed to establish a connection between the defendant and the alleged forgery. There is no basis for him to enter a defense,” the judge ruled.

Fani-Kayode was initially arraigned on November 11, 2021, on a 12-count charge related to forgery, false documents, and fabrication of evidence.

The EFCC called seven witnesses before closing its case.

However, in December 2024, the former minister filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not proven its allegations.

This ruling follows a similar verdict delivered by Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on January 15, 2025, where Fani-Kayode was cleared of a three-count money laundering charge.

Justice Tsoho ruled that the prosecution failed to provide concrete evidence linking him to the crime, citing contradictions in witness testimonies.

This is not the first time Fani-Kayode has been acquitted in a high-profile case.

In 2015, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia also cleared him of money laundering charges.